Notes: Our Story - The Duggar Family

Introduction

• Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar grew up in Arkansas.
• Background rooted in loving, hard-working families.

How It All Began

• Engagement: Jim Bob proposed to Michelle in December 1983 with a $350 ring.
• Marriage Approval: Emotional conversation with Michelle’s parents to marry before moving to North Carolina.
• Wedding:
  • Married on July 21, 1984, in their church's gymnasium.
  • Simple and cost-effective preparations; Michelle wore Jim Bob's mother's wedding dress.
  • Focused on saving money for their honeymoon.

Early Married Life

• Honeymoon at Mount Nebo; first home was a 900 sq ft fixer-upper.
• Lived on love; adventures included fixing their small house.

Becoming Parents

• Originally planned for 2-3 children.
• First child, Joshua James, born in 1988.
• Used birth control initially, leading to an unexpected pregnancy and miscarriage.
• Miscarriage attributed to conception while on the pill, leading to a change of heart towards having more children.

Family Growth and Beliefs

• Embraced the belief that children are a blessing from God.
• Asked God for more children, resulting in a large family with subsequent births including twins.

Getting a TV Show

• 2002: Photo of family in New York Times led to TV opportunities.
• Discovery Health Channel documentary on raising 14 children.
• Built a debt-free home with family help during TV filming.
• TV show became one of the longest-running reality series.

Where They Are Now

• Family includes 19 children, sons- and daughters-in-law, grandchildren.
• Strive to live by and share Bible principles.
• Desire to make Christ known through their lives and show.

Ongoing Journey

• Love and family continue to grow, with a focus on faith in Jesus Christ.
• Duggar family emphasizes life principles from the Bible.